Bird’s Memories Strengthened by Sleep
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Scientists have shown for the first time that brain activity during sleep strengthens the ability to learn and remember -- at least in birds.
But they insist the finding has meaning for humans too. Earlier human studies had shown that a good night’s sleep in adults improved memory.
In the new study, reported in the journal Nature, researchers who examined the round-the-clock vocalizing of 50 young zebra finches said sleep, which allows the brain to consolidate information learned the previous day, helped the birds become better singers.
